By-Nikkhil Jadhav Director – Strategy Heart Health India Foundation
The incidence of heart attacks among younger individuals is alarmingly on the rise, with 1 in 5 heart attack patients now under the age of 40. Similar trends are evident with diabetes, affecting a significant portion of the population. These issues are not solely linked to overall lifestyle changes but also to unhealthy food habits, particularly the consumption of packaged foods.
Despite packaging regulations that mandate the declaration of contents, many people continue to consume products containing harmful levels of trans fats. Foods with more than 1% trans fat have been directly associated with heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that trans fats should constitute less than 1% of an individual’s total energy intake.
Given this scenario, I urge the government to implement the following measures in the upcoming budget to address these pressing health concerns:
1. Introduction of a Sin Tax on Packaged Foods Containing High Trans Fats
A sin tax should be levied on packaged foods that contain more than 1% trans fat, similar to the taxes imposed on alcohol and tobacco. The revenue collected from this tax can be allocated to:
Subsidizing medicines related to heart disease and diabetes. Despite price caps on pharmaceuticals, these medications remain costly for many citizens. Lowering the cost of treatment and medicines will make them more accessible to all segments of society.
Awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of trans fats and promote healthy eating habits.
2. Introduction of a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Healthy Indian Snacks
To encourage the production and availability of healthier food alternatives, the government should introduce a PLI scheme for manufacturers of healthy Indian snacks. This initiative will help replace unhealthy packaged foods with nutritious, locally-sourced options, driving positive change through variety and accessibility.